2013 started off in winning fashion for the Mandurah Magic women as they opened their account with a Round One victory over Perry Lakes on Saturday night.

The 63-60 victory was the perfect start for returning head coach Brooke Burns who returned to the club this year to replace Mark Utley at the helm.

After winning only two games during the 2012 season, the victory was made even more significant as this was the first win on the road for the Magic since the 2011 season.

2011 League MVP Casey Mihovilovich, who missed all of last year after giving birth to her second child, also returned to the team. The Magic’s new import Brittany Ward will have to wait another week to step onto the court for the first time while she waits for her working permits to clear.

This was also the first game for former SBL Coach of the Year CJ Jackson who took over from Rick Morcom as head coach of the Hawks for the 2013 season.

Nat Burton started the game looking to show why she deserved the West Coast Waves Rookie of the Year award as she used her height to her advantage in the low post. Burton also gave the Hawks numerous second chance baskets with some key offensive rebounds.

Magic young gun Ashlee Sidebottom also had a fast start to the game and was able to get Burton in early foul trouble. Sidebottom has 14 points to half time, already two points better than her career high.

The Hawks took a three point lead into half time on the back of Rebecca Boyanich who proved dangerous from mid range. However the Magic picked up their game defensively and were able to find their shooting touch.

With Burton on the bench, Gemma Thomas began to dominate inside for the Magic, and Mihovilovich's speed up the floor resulted in numerous transition baskets.

The Magic took a two point lead into the final quarter and were able to hang on despite the play of Burton and Boyanich. The game was ultimately won at the free throw line with the Magic converting on 10 from 12 in the final term.

Thomas led the scoring for the Magic with 17 points while Sidebottom finished with 16. Mihovilovich's all around game saw her finish with 16 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

Burton was Perry Lakes' best with 17 points and 12 rebounds while Boyanich added 13.

Round Two sees the Magic head to Lakeside on Saturday night to take on the in-form Lightning, while the Hawks host last year's champions the South West Slammers at home also on Saturday night.

Article by Nathan Winch
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)